Radio reception turns to static when turning on the rear defroster

Hi,

 

I'm wondering if this is common with subarus with the radio antenna in the rear window, although I can't imagine why. When I'm listening to FM radio (doesn't happen with AM) and I turn on the rear defroster, all I get is static, no matter what station I'm listening to.

 

Have any of you had this problem?

 

Gerard

Had the same thing happen to me. Replaced the rear glass and works perfect now.

yes, the rear defroster and antenna have some kind of short... I had to do the same when the car was BRAND NEW!

This is pretty common in ALL cars that have the FM antenna built into the rear glass with rear defroster. I have noticed this in all makes of cars throught out my years of installing stereo sytems.

Sometimes metalized tint films can cause reduced radio reception but don't know if turning the defroster on amplifies this reception issue or not.

Sometimes metalized tint films can cause reduced radio reception but don't know if turning the defroster on amplifies this reception issue or not.

 

This is true, but its very little. I have never been able to test it because after we tint a car all the same stations come in. I think if you were just having trouble getting a station before it might stop working or get worse. But any station you get in Stereo or HD you will not notice any difference.

Tint would cause poor reception all the time regardless of the defroster being on or off. Have a new window installed and you'll be good to go. Dealer tried to repair my grid for two days before giving up and just installing a new glass. Now reception is fine.

Yeah but is the cost justified, I mean how much does a rear glass cost to install and does it have to be installed by the dealer?

great question - been having issues with radio going to static lately. Haven't really searched for symptoms. Will give this a try, then check insurance for rear glass replacement options.

There is a TSB out for this particular issue. Straight from the website:

http://www.cars101.com/recalls.html

 

"Customer complaint of radio static when the radio and rear window defogger are on at the same time, there is the possibility of a break in one or more of the defogger grids. When the grid is broken, a high resistance field is created at the break point which can create static on some radio stations. The level of resistance is usually high enough to create a field of interference which projects out from the glass. The break can be detected visually or by using a portable radio.

Using a portable radio, set the radio to the same frequency and station being disturbed by static. From the outside of the vehicle, slowly move the radio’s antenna across the defogger grids. When interference is encountered, inspect that specific area closely for a break. Depending upon the size of the break, a magnifying glass and/or eyeloupe may be required.

Once the break is identified, it should be repaired using the Permatex® repair kit instead of replacing the rear glass. Note: Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions

and precautions that are included with the Permatex® repair kit.

Permatex® Quick Grid™ Rear Window Defogger Repair Kit, part # 15067, used for repairing damaged rear window defogger grids, is available at local automotive parts stores."

 

Rear glass replacement is not required. Should save money for those looking at that option, and save insurance companies some money from rear glass claims.

 

Steve

less commercials on CD, so never bothered to look for a solution. However, thanks for looking it up.

You're welcome. Actually came across this while looking up the brake line recall my car had last year. So no charge for services previously rendered :-) lol

tested it on the way to work, defroster has no effect on radio reception. Tested same stations in different car, they all work fine.

 

Maybe time to get that double-din nav unit upgrade I've been dreaming about. 100gb of mp3 files should solve music problems in car.

You guys are the best!